North Reading Man Arraigned For Impersonating a Police Officer

WOBURN—Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced today that a North Reading man has been arraigned for allegedly impersonating a police officer during an argument with another driver over a parking space.
 
Joseph V. Amato, Jr., 49, of North Reading, was arraigned August 18 in Woburn District Court on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, impersonating a police officer and disorderly conduct. Woburn District Court Judge Cesar Archilla ordered the defendant held on $500 cash bail with the condition that he have no contact with the victim or witnesses.
 
The defendant’s next court date is November 7 for a pre-trial conference.
 
“The defendant’s action in allegedly identifying himself as a police officer was a ploy to intimidate a stranger,” District Attorney Ryan said. “Police officers earn the trust of citizens every day, and the title of police officer should not be disrespected by this kind of alleged incident.”

According to authorities, on Sunday, August 17, the defendant allegedly argued with a delivery truck driver who had blocked the defendant’s car in a store parking lot on Main Street in North Reading.  During the incident, the defendant allegedly identified himself as a detective, displayed a gun, and threatened the other driver with arrest.
 
The dispute prompted calls to police who responded to the scene, allegedly stopping the defendant’s car nearby to investigate. The defendant was later arrested by North Reading Police.
 
"This was a potentially dangerous situation, in which an individual allegedly made a delivery driver, who was just doing his job, fear for his life over a parking space, and in doing so, this suspect allegedly made himself out to be a police officer,” said North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy. "The North Reading Police Department takes police impersonation very seriously and will not allow individuals like this to harm the reputation of law enforcement.”
 
These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.